Supreme Court Intervenes: Independent SIT to Investigate Tirupati Laddu Controversy

The Supreme Court has established an independent five-member SIT to investigate allegations of animal fat being used in Tirupati laddus, emphasizing that court proceedings should not serve political interests. The newly appointed panel replaces the Andhra Pradesh government’s SIT amid a sensitive political debate.

An independent Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted by the Supreme Court to probe allegations of animal fat used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus. This decision aims to address the sentiments of millions of devotees while maintaining the judiciary's impartiality away from political conflicts.

The five-member SIT introduced by the apex court will include officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Andhra Pradesh Police, and a senior official from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The CBI director and FSSAI chairperson will nominate members to this panel.

This move replaces the state-appointed SIT amid a politically charged atmosphere, as claims and counter-claims from political factions concerning the use of animal fat in laddus have ignited controversy. The court's intervention comes as it seeks to ensure an unbiased investigation.